Caulk transfer system

ABSTRACT

A fluid transfer system includes a viscous fluid tube having a viscous fluid disposed therein and an outlet. A transfer nozzle includes an engagement end configured to penetrate the outlet of the viscous fluid tube. A transfer end is in fluid communication with the engagement end and is configured to relay the viscous fluid to a receiving reservoir. A grip is configured to aid a user in rotating the transfer nozzle in relation to the viscous fluid tube and the receiving reservoir.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to and the benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/444,070, filed on Jan. 9, 2017, entitled “CAULK TRANSFER SYSTEM,” the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure generally relates to a caulk system, and more particularly to a caulk transfer system.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a fluid transfer system includes a viscous fluid tube having a viscous fluid disposed therein and an outlet. A transfer nozzle includes an engagement end configured to penetrate the outlet of the viscous fluid tube. A transfer end is in fluid communication with the engagement end and is configured to relay the viscous fluid to a receiving reservoir. A grip is configured to aid a user in rotating the transfer nozzle in relation to the viscous fluid tube and the receiving reservoir.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a transfer nozzle includes an engagement end configured to penetrate an outlet of a caulk tube. A transfer end is configured in fluid communication with the engagement end and is configured to relay caulk to a syringe. A grip is configured to aid a user in rotating the transfer nozzle in relation to the caulk tube and the syringe.

According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a method of transferring a viscous fluid from a source to a reservoir includes providing a source having a viscous fluid disposed therein. An engagement end of a transfer nozzle is inserted into an outlet of the source. A reservoir is coupled with a transfer end of the transfer nozzle. The viscous fluid is pushed from the source to the reservoir through the transfer nozzle. The reservoir is capped after the viscous fluid has been transferred.

According to still another aspect of the present disclosure, a viscous fluid transfer device is provided that allows a user to transfer a viscous fluid from a viscous fluid tube to a receiving reservoir. The viscous fluid transfer device minimizes waste associated with only partially used viscous fluid tubes. In addition, the viscous fluid transfer device allows for transfer of the viscous fluid to a reservoir capable of a more steady, consistent flow onto a surface.

These and other features, advantages, and objects of the present disclosure will be further understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art by reference to the following specification, claims, and appended drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings:

FIG. 1A is a top perspective view of one embodiment of a transfer nozzle of the present disclosure;

FIG. 1B is a front elevational view of the transfer nozzle of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 1C is a top plan view of the transfer nozzle of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 1D is a side elevational view of the transfer nozzle of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 1E is a side cross-sectional view of the transfer nozzle of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 1F is a front elevational view of the transfer nozzle of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of one embodiment of a transfer nozzle of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 is a first side elevational view of the transfer nozzle of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a second side elevational view of the transfer nozzle of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a side elevational cross-sectional view of the transfer nozzle of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is an exploded view of a transfer nozzle of the present disclosure prior to engagement with a viscous fluid tube and a receiving reservoir;

FIG. 7 is a front elevational view of the transfer nozzle of FIG. 6 after engagement with the viscous fluid tube and receiving reservoir;

FIG. 8 is a side cross-sectional view of a transfer nozzle of the present disclosure engaged with a medium-sized outlet of the viscous fluid tube;

FIG. 9 is a side cross-sectional view of a transfer nozzle of the present disclosure engaged with a small-sized outlet of the viscous fluid tube;

FIG. 10 is a side cross-sectional view of a transfer nozzle of the present disclosure engaged with a large-sized outlet of the viscous fluid tube;

FIG. 11 is a top perspective view of another embodiment of a transfer nozzle of the present disclosure;

FIG. 12 is a rear top perspective view of a transfer nozzle of the present disclosure;

FIG. 13A is a side elevational cross-sectional view of a transfer nozzle of the present disclosure;

FIG. 13B is a front elevational view of the transfer nozzle of FIG. 13A;

FIG. 14 is a side elevational view of the transfer nozzle of FIG. 11;

FIG. 15 is a side elevational cross-sectional view of the transfer nozzle of FIG. 14;

FIG. 16 is a side cross-sectional elevational view of the transfer nozzle engaged with an outlet of the viscous fluid tube;

FIG. 17 is a top perspective view of the transfer nozzle of FIG. 11 prior to engagement with a receiving reservoir and a viscous fluid tube;

FIG. 18 is a top perspective view of the transfer nozzle of FIG. 11 after engagement with the receiving reservoir;

FIG. 19 is a top perspective view of the transfer nozzle of FIG. 11 after engagement with the viscous fluid tube and the receiving reservoir;

FIG. 20 is a bottom perspective view of the transfer nozzle of FIG. 11 after disengagement with the receiving reservoir and the viscous fluid tube;

FIG. 21 is a bottom perspective view of the transfer nozzle re-engaged with the viscous fluid tube and the receiving reservoir;

FIG. 22 is a side cross-sectional elevational view of the transfer nozzle of FIG. 11 engaged with an outlet of a viscous fluid tube;

FIG. 23 is a top perspective view of another embodiment of a transfer nozzle of the present disclosure;

FIG. 24 is a rear top perspective view of the transfer nozzle of FIG. 23;

FIG. 25 is a side elevational view of the transfer nozzle of FIG. 23;

FIG. 26 is a side elevational cross-sectional view of the transfer nozzle of FIG. 23;

FIG. 27 is a bottom perspective view of the transfer nozzle of FIG. 23 prior to engagement with a viscous fluid tube and a receiving reservoir;

FIG. 28 is a bottom perspective view of the transfer nozzle of FIG. 23 after engagement with the receiving reservoir and the viscous fluid tube;

FIG. 29 is a side elevational cross-sectional view of the transfer nozzle of FIG. 23 after engagement with an outlet of a viscous fluid tube and a receiving reservoir;

FIG. 30 is a top perspective view of another embodiment of a transfer nozzle of the present disclosure;

FIG. 31 is a rear top perspective view of the transfer nozzle of FIG. 30;

FIG. 32 is a side elevational view of the transfer nozzle of FIG. 30;

FIG. 33 is a side elevational cross-sectional view of the transfer nozzle of FIG. 30;

FIG. 34 is a top perspective view of the transfer nozzle of FIG. 30 after engagement with an outlet of a viscous fluid tube and a receiving reservoir;

FIG. 35 is a top perspective view of the transfer nozzle of FIG. 30 prior to engagement with an outlet of a viscous fluid tube and a receiving reservoir;

FIG. 36 is a side elevational cross-sectional view of the transfer nozzle of FIG. 30 during engagement with the viscous fluid tube and the receiving reservoir;

FIG. 37 is a flow chart illustrating part of a method of transferring a viscous fluid from a source to a reservoir;

FIG. 38 is a flow chart illustrating another part of a method of transferring a viscous fluid from a source to a reservoir;

FIG. 39 is a flow chart illustrating yet another part of a method of transferring a viscous fluid from a source to a reservoir; and

FIG. 40 is a flow chart illustrating a final part of a method of transferring a viscous fluid from a source to a reservoir.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present illustrated embodiments reside primarily in combinations of method steps and apparatus components related to a caulk transfer system. Accordingly, the apparatus components and method steps have been represented, where appropriate, by conventional symbols in the drawings, showing only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present disclosure so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein. Further, like numerals in the description and drawings represent like elements.

For purposes of description herein, the terms “upper,” “lower,” “right,” “left,” “rear,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and derivatives thereof, shall relate to the disclosure as oriented in FIG. 1. Unless stated otherwise, the term “front” shall refer to the surface of the device closer to an intended viewer of the caulk transfer system, and the term “rear” shall refer to the surface of the element further from the intended viewer of the caulk transfer system. However, it is to be understood that the disclosure may assume various alternative orientations, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise.

The terms “including,” “comprises,” “comprising,” or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. An element preceded by “comprises a . . . ” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises the element.

Referring to FIGS. 1A-10, reference numeral 10 generally designates a fluid transfer system that includes a viscous fluid tube 12 having a viscous fluid 14 disposed therein and an outlet 16. A transfer nozzle 20 includes an engagement end 22 configured to penetrate the outlet 16 of the viscous fluid tube 12. A transfer end 24 is in fluid communication with the engagement end 22 and is configured to relay the viscous fluid 14 to a receiving reservoir 26. A grip 28 is configured to aid a user in rotating the transfer nozzle 20 in relation to the viscous fluid tube 12 and the receiving reservoir 26. A channel 27 extends through the transfer nozzle 20 from the engagement end 22 to the transfer end 24.

With reference again to FIGS. 1A-10, the illustrated transfer nozzle 20 includes a threading 30 on the engagement end 22 of the transfer nozzle 20. The engagement end 22 of the transfer nozzle 20 includes a chamfered or tapered distal portion 29. The threading 30 is generally configured to increase in diameter as the threading 30 comes closer to a base 32 of the transfer nozzle 20. The base 32 is widened with first and second opposing flanges 34, 36 extending laterally therefrom. The grip 28 includes first and second opposing flanges 34, 36 provide a gripping surface to allow for easy rotation of the transfer nozzle 20 into and out of the outlet 16 of the viscous fluid tube 12 and also into contact with the receiving reservoir 26. It is contemplated that a frictional gripping surface may be added to the first and second opposing flanges 34, 36. In addition, the transfer end 24 also includes a small threading 40 configured to engage complementary internal threading in the receiving reservoir 26. In the illustrated embodiment, the small threading 40 makes one revolution (360°) about the transfer end 24. The larger threading 30 makes roughly four revolutions down the length of the engagement end 22. Accordingly, the internal channel 27 of the transfer nozzle 20 can allow for fluid movement of the viscous fluid 14 to form the viscous fluid tube 12 into the receiving reservoir 26.

With reference to FIGS. 1E and 1F, in one embodiment, it is generally contemplated that the engagement end 22 transitions from an 8° to a 7° pitch and includes a 0.18 inch mount. The transfer end 24 includes a 0.16 inch outlet opening with the external diameter being approximately 0.27 inches. The first and second opposing flanges 34, 36 extend across a distance of approximately 1.25 inches and the entire length of the transfer nozzle 20 is approximately 1.66 inches. It will be generally understood that these distances and measurements are illustrative, and that the angles, pitches, and lengths could be altered depending on a particular application.

With reference now to FIGS. 2-5, the channel 27 of the transfer nozzle 20 may widen at each end of the channel 27. As shown in the cross-section of FIG. 5, the ends 40, 42 of the channel 27 widen slightly. This construction can aid in slowing the flow of the viscous fluid into the reservoir. The widened end proximate the engagement end 22 helps to catch more viscous fluid 14 during transfer of the viscous fluid 14. As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the transfer nozzle 20 can be inserted into either of the viscous fluid tube 12 or the receiving reservoir 26. The receiving reservoir 26 includes an enlarged receiving end configured to engage the transfer end 24 of the transfer nozzle 20 and receive the fluid 14 from inside the viscous fluid tube 12. As the fluid 14 is moved from the viscous fluid tube 12 to the receiving reservoir 26, a plunger at the rear of the receiving reservoir 26 is forced outward. Accordingly, no air, or minimal air, can have the effect of hardening the viscous fluid 14 as the viscous fluid 14 reaches the viscous fluid tube 12.

As shown in FIGS. 8-10, the engagement end 22 is configured to engage outlets of varying lengths and diameters. Also, the engagement end 22 can engage outlets of varying shapes and cuts. In FIG. 8, the transfer nozzle 20 is engaging an average size outlet 16 of a viscous fluid tube 12. In FIG. 9, the transfer nozzle 20 is engaging a small outlet 16 of a viscous fluid tube 12. In FIG. 10, the transfer nozzle 20 is shown engaging a large outlet 16 of a viscous fluid tube 12. The transfer nozzle 20 is configured, with the tapered engagement end 22, to be inserted into a variety of different sized outlets 16 and still perform optimally.

With reference now to FIGS. 11-22, another embodiment of a fluid transfer system 90 of the present disclosure includes a transfer nozzle 100 having a widened base 102 with laterally extending flanges 104, 105 similar to the transfer nozzle 20 disclosed in detail above. A transfer end 106 of the transfer nozzle 100 includes a threading 108 and a chamfered or tapered distal portion 109 that is configured to engage with and be inserted into or extend over an inlet of a receiving reservoir 120. The threading 108 includes more revolutions than the embodiment of FIGS. 1-10. The additional threading may be helpful for highly viscous fluids that run the risk of pushing out of the outlet 16 during transfer. In this illustration, the engagement end 106 of the transfer nozzle 100 includes more frequent threading 108 configured for secure engagement with an outlet 122 of a viscous fluid tube 124. A channel 110 extends through the transfer nozzle 100 from the engagement end 106 to a transfer end 114 of the transfer nozzle 100. As shown in FIGS. 13A, 15, and 16, the channel 110 may include a generally cylindrical construction. However, widened or narrowed ends of the channel 110 could also be utilized.

With reference now to FIGS. 23-29, another embodiment of a fluid transfer system 190 of the present disclosure includes a transfer nozzle 200 having a circular base 202 with an engagement end 204 extending from one end of the transfer nozzle 200 and a transfer end 206 extending from another end of the transfer nozzle 200. The base 202 is circular and includes a plurality of grip lines 210 that extend in parallel configuration about a periphery 212 of the base 202. The engagement end 204 includes a threading 213 configured to engage an internal portion 214 of an outlet 216 of a viscous fluid tube 218. A channel 217 extends from the engagement end 204 to the transfer end 206. The transfer end 206 may include threading, or may include no threading. In either instance, the transfer end 206 may engage an interior portion of an inlet of a receiving reservoir 220, or an exterior portion of an inlet 224 of the receiving reservoir 220. As shown in FIG. 26, the channel 217 includes a central cylindrical portion 230, a widened portion 232 proximate the transfer end 206, and a widened portion 234 proximate the engagement end 204. A short transition portion 236 is disposed between the widened portion 234 and the central cylindrical portion 230.

With reference now to FIGS. 30-36, yet another embodiment of a fluid transfer system 290 of the present disclosure is shown, which includes a transfer nozzle 300 having a circular base 302 having an engagement end 304 extending from a first end and a transfer end 306 extending from a second end of the circular base 302. The circular base 302 includes gripping members spaced about the circular base 302. In this instance, the transfer end 306 includes a small thread 307 and generally defines a small opening 308 configured to extend within or around an inlet 310 of a receiving reservoir 312. The engagement end 304 is configured to engage an external portion 314 of an outlet 316 of a viscous fluid tube 318. Accordingly, the engagement end 304 includes a plurality of internal threads 320 configured to snugly receive the outlet 316 of the viscous fluid tube 318.

With reference now to FIGS. 37-40, the fluid transfer systems, as set forth above, can generally be used as follows. Initially, a caulk tube (viscous fluid tube) is placed into a standard caulk gun (step 400). The caulk tube is opened at the outlet by cutting approximately half inch to one inch from the tip of the outlet (step 402). Notably, the cutting distance may vary, depending upon the caulk tube and the caulk type. The caulk tube is then punctured in step 404, if necessary, without removing any caulk (viscous fluid). The transfer nozzle is then positioned into the outlet of the caulk tube by twisting or turning in step 406. Next, as shown in FIG. 38, the caulk gun is depressed until the caulk reaches the top of the transfer nozzle (step 408). Excess caulk is wiped from the tip of the transfer nozzle (step 410). A syringe (receiving reservoir) is then twisted onto the transfer nozzle until securely engaged (step 412). The caulk gun is then slowly pumped in step 414, causing the desired amount of caulk (viscous fluid) to enter into the syringe (receiving reservoir). The syringe is now ready (step 416) for dispensing (FIG. 39) or storage (FIG. 40).

With reference again to FIG. 39, to dispense caulk from the syringe, the syringe is first uncoupled from the viscous fluid tube or caulk tube (step 418). The transfer nozzle is then removed from the syringe and a dispensing tip is positioned on the syringe (step 420). The plunger is depressed to dispense caulk from the syringe onto a desired area (step 422). To stop flow, the plunger is simply pulled back slightly (step 424).

With reference again to FIG. 40, to store the caulk (step 426), the transfer nozzle is left in contact with the caulk tube and sealed with a cap (step 428). The dispensing tip is removed from the syringe (step 430) and a sealing tip is positioned on the syringe to prevent the caulk from drying and/or otherwise spoiling (step 432).

Traditional systems of dispensing viscous fluids, such as caulk, require a caulk gun, which forces the fluid from the caulk tube, keeping steady pressure on the caulk tube. An unfortunate side effect is that once the caulk has been pressurized and forced out of the dispensing outlet, there is still pressure on the caulk within the caulk tube. Consequently, caulk leaks from the caulk tube. In addition, the end of the caulk tube is cut and how the tube is cut can vary significantly, resulting in an inconsistent dispensing of the caulk. Finally, when a user is done using the caulk, the whole tube has to be discarded, as it is difficult to keep the caulk fresh within the caulk tube. The reservoirs set forth herein (such as a syringe) are generally airtight and can be capped, thus preserving the caulk for use at another time.

The system set forth herein provides a flexible manner to transfer fluid or caulk during dispensing, resulting in better performance than traditional caulk tubes and less wasted caulk when a full caulk tube is not required.

It will be understood by one having ordinary skill in the art that construction of the described disclosure and other components is not limited to any specific material. Other exemplary embodiments of the disclosure disclosed herein may be formed from a wide variety of materials, unless described otherwise herein.

For purposes of this disclosure, the term “coupled” (in all of its forms, couple, coupling, coupled, etc.) generally means the joining of two components (electrical or mechanical) directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary in nature or movable in nature. Such joining may be achieved with the two components (electrical or mechanical) and any additional intermediate members being integrally formed as a single unitary body with one another or with the two components. Such joining may be permanent in nature or may be removable or releasable in nature unless otherwise stated.

It is also important to note that the construction and arrangement of the elements of the disclosure, as shown in the exemplary embodiments, is illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments of the present innovations have been described in detail in this disclosure, those skilled in the art who review this disclosure will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter recited. For example, elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple parts, or elements shown as multiple parts may be integrally formed, the operation of the interfaces may be reversed or otherwise varied, the length or width of the structures and/or members or connector or other elements of the system may be varied, the nature or number of adjustment positions provided between the elements may be varied. It should be noted that the elements and/or assemblies of the system may be constructed from any of a wide variety of materials that provide sufficient strength or durability, in any of a wide variety of colors, textures, and combinations. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present innovations. Other substitutions, modifications, changes, and omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions, and arrangement of the desired and other exemplary embodiments without departing from the spirit of the present innovations.

It will be understood that any described processes or steps within described processes may be combined with other disclosed processes or steps to form structures within the scope of the present disclosure. The exemplary structures and processes disclosed herein are for illustrative purposes and are not to be construed as limiting.

It is also to be understood that variations and modifications can be made on the aforementioned structures and methods without departing from the concepts of the present disclosure, and further it is to be understood that such concepts are intended to be covered by the following claims unless these claims by their language expressly state otherwise. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A fluid transfer system comprising: a viscous fluid tube including a viscous fluid disposed therein and an outlet; a transfer nozzle comprising: an engagement end configured to penetrate the outlet of the viscous fluid tube; a transfer end in fluid communication with the engagement end and configured to relay the viscous fluid to a receiving reservoir; and a grip configured to aid a user in rotating the transfer nozzle in relation to the viscous fluid tube and the receiving reservoir.
 2. The fluid transfer system of claim 1, wherein the grip includes first and second opposing flanges.
 3. The fluid transfer system of claim 1, wherein the engagement end is threaded.
 4. The fluid transfer system of claim 3, wherein the transfer end is threaded.
 5. The fluid transfer system of claim 4, wherein the threading on the engagement end and the transfer end is dissimilar.
 6. The fluid transfer system of claim 1, wherein a distal portion of the engagement end is tapered.
 7. The fluid transfer system of claim 1, further comprising: a frictional gripping surface disposed on the grip.
 8. A transfer nozzle device comprising: an engagement end configured to penetrate an outlet of a caulk tube; a transfer end configured in fluid communication with the engagement end and configured to relay caulk to a syringe; and a grip configured to aid a user in rotating the transfer nozzle in relation to the caulk tube and the syringe.
 9. The transfer nozzle device of claim 8, wherein the grip includes first and second opposing flanges.
 10. The transfer nozzle device of claim 8, wherein the engagement end is threaded.
 11. The transfer nozzle device of claim 10, wherein the transfer end is threaded.
 12. The transfer nozzle device of claim 11, wherein the threading on the engagement end and the transfer end is dissimilar.
 13. The transfer nozzle device of claim 8, wherein a distal portion of the engagement end is tapered.
 14. The transfer nozzle device of claim 8, further comprising: a frictional gripping surface disposed on the grip.
 15. A method of transferring a viscous fluid from a source to a reservoir, the method comprising: providing a source having a viscous fluid disposed therein; inserting an engagement end of a transfer nozzle into an outlet of the source; coupling a reservoir with a transfer end of the transfer nozzle; pushing the viscous fluid from the source to the reservoir through the transfer nozzle; and capping the reservoir after the viscous fluid has been transferred.
 16. The method of claim 15, wherein the step of inserting an engagement end of the transfer nozzle further comprises: rotating the engagement end into position into the outlet of the source.
 17. The method of claim 15, wherein the step of coupling the reservoir with the transfer end of the transfer nozzle further comprises: rotating the transfer end into secure engagement with an opening in the reservoir. 